Helminthiasis is a common condition. According to statistics, the contagion among the population is between 20 and 80%, depending on the region in which they live and social level. The proportion of infections is particularly high in countries with a tropical and subtropical climate. More than 280 types of parasites are known to be dangerous to humans. The signs of helminthiasis differ depending on the location and type of parasite. The treatment regimen is developed individually for each clinical case.
The main causes of the invasion
Worms are parasites whose typical habitat is the human body. There are factors that cause infection. In the vast majority of cases, helminth diseases develop as a result of non-compliance with norms and rules of personal hygiene. There are four main ways in which parasites enter the human body:
- Biohelminthiasis. Infection occurs when eggs and larvae of worms enter the digestive tract from eating foods such as raw, half-baked, smoked, dried meat, or fish.
- Contact helminthiasis. Infection is only possible through the transmission of parasite eggs from an infected person to a healthy person. This method of invasion is typical of pinworms.
- Geohelminthiasis. The penetration of parasites into the human body occurs upon contact with plants, soil, water from open natural reservoirs.
- For bites from blood-sucking insects. This method of invasion is common in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.
Important!Helminths in adults and children occur due to the use of poor quality food and failure to observe the norms and rules of personal hygiene. Eliminating these factors is the best option for preventing helminth invasion.
Clinical picture
The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the type of helminth, the degree of damage to organs and tissues, and the individual characteristics of the infected person. The general and most common symptoms of helminthiasis in children and adults are weight loss while maintaining the previous diet, itching in the anal folds, various manifestations of allergies, decreased immunity and deterioration in general well-being.
The symptoms of a parasite infestation are divided into several different subgroups:
- Central nervous system disorders. Regardless of the place of localization, helminths cause symptoms caused by poisoning the body with toxic substances and decay products released during the life of the parasite. These signs include difficulty sleeping, irritability, tearing, depression, trembling of the limbs.
- Indigestion. There is nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, systematic alternation of diarrhea and constipation, pain in the middle of the abdomen, flatulence.
- Allergic reactions and a decrease in the body's immune strength. Such symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of helminthic invasion and are the result of poisoning with toxins and waste products from parasites.
Worms cause symptoms in a person, the treatment of which requires an individual approach. These include skin lesions, ulcers, purulent abscesses and so on.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of helminthiasis is based on a thorough study of the patient's medical history, which identifies a predisposition to infection, as well as laboratory tests. Most Commonly Used:
- Examination of feces, contents of the duodenum, scrapings from the anus folds. With stool analysis, you can identify eggs, larvae, dead and live parasites. Helminth diagnostics carried out under laboratory conditions are only effective if at least four to six weeks have passed since the time of infection.
- Survey with serological methods including enzyme immunoassay, PCR, RSK and others. A blood test for any helminthiasis is one of the most effective. Before conducting a hemolymph study for the detection of parasites and eggs in human blood, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the rules for conducting tests.
- Ultrasound and X-rays are used to detect parasites, whose typical habitat is liver tissue, gall bladder, skin.
For the most accurate results, it is recommended that you follow all the rules prescribed by your doctor for performing tests. In addition, it is recommended to pass repeated tests at the end of drug therapy to exclude relapse of helminthiasis.
Medication
Helminthiasis therapy requires an integrated approach. In addition, concepts such as symptoms and treatment are inextricably linked, depending on the clinical signs of the disease, appropriate therapeutic methods are selected, the effect of which is aimed at eliminating symptoms and improving the patient's well-being.
Treatment for helminth invasion involves three main stages: preparation, direct drug therapy, and recovery. It is also important to get rid of the pronounced signs of helminth infection, the manifestation of which can cause discomfort to the patient. During the preparation period, it is recommended to follow a strict diet based on the use of only natural products, steamed or baked, as well as medications that improve digestion.
The therapy scheme is put together individually. The final stage of treatment is the restoration of the patient's body. To do this, drugs with an immunomodulatory effect are used, as well as drugs and biologically active additives that restore the microflora of the digestive system.
Folk methods
Natural homemade products with anti-parasitic properties help in the fight against helminthiasis. They should only be used after consulting a doctor. In addition, homemade drugs are not a panacea for worms, they should be used as part of complex therapy.
Some of the most effective and safest recipes are:
- Pumpkin seeds. To get a positive result, you need to eat at least one glass of raw seeds a day during the week. In children, the dosage can be halved.
- Garlic enema. To make the solution, boil a large clove of garlic in a glass of natural cow's milk for ten minutes. Then remove the root vegetables, cool the resulting infusion to a comfortable temperature, and then use it as directed. It is advisable to carry out such a procedure in combination with the use of medication.
- Fresh garlic, onions and sauerkraut juice. In the absence of contraindications, it is recommended to consume these products on a daily basis. This will help remove the worms and prevent re-infection.
- Folk methods also include a frugal diet. It is recommended to make significant changes to the diet and limit it only to vegetables and fruits that can be eaten both fresh and after heat treatment. You should follow such a diet for at least ten days. In addition, this diet is very beneficial for improving and normalizing the functioning of the digestive tract.
Important!The above methods of traditional medicine can also be applied to children.
How to Prevent Infection
Parasite prevention is a must. About the basic rules and regulations:
- It is not recommended to eat meals made from raw, dried, or lightly salted meat or fish.
- Wash thoroughly, then scald fruits, herbs and vegetables with boiling water.
- Perform preventive deworming on pets that can be a direct source of infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and take precautions when gardening.
In addition, you need to regularly see a doctor for tests to identify parasites. You should have checkups at least once a year. This rule applies to children attending preschool institutions. It is easier to cure helminth infestations in the early stages of the infection.